The Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox are set to face off in Game 2 of their weekend series on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. The White Sox took Game 1, and Houston will look to bounce back behind Hunter Brown, while Chicago aims to build momentum with Davis Martin on the mound.
Game Details
- Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
- Location: Rate Field, Chicago, IL
- Start Time: 2:10 p.m. ET
- TV Broadcast: NBC Sports Chicago, AT&T SportsNet Southwest
- Radio: ESPN 1000 (White Sox), KBME 790 AM (Astros)
Team Breakdown
Houston Astros (16-15, 3rd in AL West)
The Astros enter this matchup having won three of their last five games, but they dropped Game 1 of the series against Chicago. Jeremy Peña has been a key contributor, hitting .278 with four home runs and 12 RBIs, while Isaac Paredes has been hot, going 11-for-37 with two doubles, a triple, and a home run over his last 10 games.
Key Strengths:
- Hunter Brown’s Dominance – Brown has a 1.22 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 37.2 innings, ranking fourth in MLB in ERA.
- Solid Offensive Production – Houston ranks 20th in MLB with a .236 team batting average.
- Bullpen Depth – Despite injuries, Houston’s relievers have kept them competitive.
Key Weaknesses:
- Road Struggles – The Astros are 5-8 away from home this season.
- Injury Concerns – Several pitchers, including Luis Garcia, Cristian Javier, and Lance McCullers, remain sidelined.
Chicago White Sox (9-23, 5th in AL Central)
The White Sox snapped a three-game losing streak with their Game 1 win, improving to 6-10 at home. Andrew Benintendi leads the team with five home runs, while Luis Robert Jr. has been productive, going 10-for-37 with two doubles and three home runs over his last 10 games.
Key Strengths:
- Home Field Advantage – Chicago has played better at Rate Field, despite their overall struggles.
- Pitching Improvement – The White Sox have an 8.0 K/9 rate, ranking 23rd in MLB.
- Timely Hitting – Chicago has been effective in clutch situations, helping them secure wins.
Key Weaknesses:
- Struggles Against Power Teams – The White Sox are 4-18 in games where they allow a home run.
- Offensive Inconsistency – Chicago ranks 25th in MLB in runs scored.
Starting Pitchers
Houston Astros – Hunter Brown (4-1, 1.22 ERA, 40 K)
Brown has been one of the best pitchers in baseball, ranking fourth in ERA and WHIP (.838). He has six straight quality starts, averaging 6.2 innings per outing, and has held opponents to a .189 batting average.
Chicago White Sox – Davis Martin (1-3, 5.47 ERA, 18 K)
Martin has struggled this season, posting a 5.47 ERA while allowing four home runs in five starts. He’ll need to limit Houston’s power hitters to give Chicago a chance.
Game Prediction & Key Matchups
Key Matchups:
- Brown vs. White Sox Offense – Can Chicago generate runs against one of MLB’s best pitchers?
- Peña vs. Martin – Peña has been Houston’s most consistent hitter and could be a difference-maker.
- Robert Jr. vs. Astros’ Bullpen – If the game is close late, Robert Jr. could be a key factor.
Game Odds
Houston Astros – 270
Chicago White Sox 8
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 2, 2025
